I was sorting through a pile of these tiny coins and did not even notice that they were unofficial coins until after I had photographed them. They are copying SALVS REIPVBLICAE coins.
Magnus Maximus was a serious threat to the stability of the Roman Empire- at least the Empire envisaged by Theodosius I. in A.D. 388, after five years of Maximus threatening the stability of the Empire,, Theodosius was able to rid himself of this problem and the SALVS REIPVBLICAE (Salvation of the Republic) type was struck to celebrate the defeat of the usurper Magnus Maximus. It was issued for all the rulers-- Theodosius I, Arcadius and Valentinian II.
THE CURRENCY OF EGYPT IN THE FIFTH CENTURY
J. G. Milne 1926
“In the second class are some series which are only separable from the products of the Alexandrian mint by the poorness of their execution. The flans are round and dumpy and generally similar to those of the official coins of that mint ; the types are fairly closely followed, and there are recognizable attempts at legends. These pieces are generally of the later types of Theodosius and his sons, such as Salus Reipublicae and the cross ; they show on an average in the different hoards about the same degree of wear as the official coins of the same types, with which they seem to have been nearly contemporary, and they are normally of the types used in the eastern mints.”
During rule of Theodosius I
Circa A.D. 388-392
12mm 0.9g
mostly IIIII; pearl diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
?gibberish; Victory advancing left holding trophy over right shoulder and dragging captive; in left field stylized cross
In ex. [ALEB]
Alexandria copy
During rule of Theodosius I
Circa A.D. 388-392
13mm 1.3g
mostly IIIII; pearl diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
SALVS REIPVBLICAE; Victory advancing left holding trophy over right shoulder and dragging captive; in left field stylized cross
In ex. [ALEB]
Alexandria copy
The reverse legend is actually correct. From a barely discernible obverse legend; I am thinking it copies a coin from Valentinian II
